Charlotte silenced him by pressing her lips tenderly to his wrinkled forehead, a wordless absolution. If these were to be his final moments, she wanted him to leave this world at peace, knowing he was loved absolutely. But Paul persisted: “I have been keeping a secret for you”.
Charlotte reeled as Paul’s cryptic words sunk in. To think, after a lifetime together, the man she loved and trusted had concealed something from her. She searched his face, eyes wide with disbelief. “A secret…all this time?” she whispered. Paul nodded weakly, wincing with the effort. “The painting…” he murmured. “Look closer…”